Walking up to 2 miles per day at a moderate pace of 2 mph over mostly paved terrain. Program will require approximately 8 miles of walking over 4 days. Standing up to 1 hour per day. Some stairs with handrails included. Coach buses are used for transportation. Driving up to 2.5 hours with stops, 7 hours (385 miles) over the course of the program. Train ride is 4 hours (60 miles) and requires climbing steeper than normal stairs to board the train. Due to the timing requirements related to accessibility with the train, participants who cannot climb the stairs may not be accommodated. Must be able to handle your own luggage. Elevation up to 7000 feet and these elevations have a fatiguing impact. Must be physically capable of participating in all planned activities.
Arizona
Scenic Railroads of Arizona: Sedona and Grand Canyon
Program No. 1083RJ
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Sedona, AZ
Program Concludes
Sedona, AZ
Meals
13 (
5B, 3L, 5D
)
Activity Level
From
2,799Get a new perspective on Sedona and the Grand Canyon by exploring these sites via historic railway! Your journey begins on the Verde Canyon Railroad, chugging through Arizona’s rim country along the wild and scenic Verde River. This train covers 40 miles of tracks, bringing you over bridges, past Indigenous cliff dwellings and through a 680-foot tunnel. Continue riding the rails on an overnight adventure to Grand Canyon National Park via the historic Grand Canyon Railway, which began operating over a century ago. Ride across the Coconino Plateau to the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, complete with narration from your rail car attendant and entertainment from strolling musicians. Throughout your train treks, gain insight into regional lore and discover the geology behind the breathtaking scenery of northern Arizona.
Best of all, you'll...
- Travel through dramatic Oak Creek Canyon en route to historic Williams for embarkation on the Grand Canyon Railway.
- Enjoy an expert-led exploration of Sedona’s red-rock vistas and the area’s geology, climate, flora and fauna.
- Stay overnight at a Grand Canyon lodge, explore historic village sites and absorb incomparable canyon views.
General Notes
Transportation on this program is by full-sized motor coach.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Carl Bowman
Carl Bowman, with a bachelor’s degree in biology and having spent 25 years of his life on the South Rim, knows the Grand Canyon well and specializes in relating the Canyon’s varied and constantly evolving geologic stories. He worked for the National Park Service from 1974 to 2013, and during his career served as a janitor, wildland fire fighter, archaeologist, ranger and scientist. A long-time student of the Grand Canyon, Carl has shared its stories with park visitors, staff, university classes, and lifelong learners.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Carl Bowman
Carl Bowman, with a bachelor’s degree in biology and having spent 25 years of his life on the South Rim, knows the Grand Canyon well and specializes in relating the Canyon’s varied and constantly evolving geologic stories. He worked for the National Park Service from 1974 to 2013, and during his career served as a janitor, wildland fire fighter, archaeologist, ranger and scientist. A long-time student of the Grand Canyon, Carl has shared its stories with park visitors, staff, university classes, and lifelong learners.
Kathy Farretta
Kathy Farretta is a history and science-loving bookworm who also loves hiking and taking photos. She was previously the assistant park manager at Riordan Mansion State Historic Park in Flagstaff, where she now serves as a volunteer. She received her master's degree in History from Northern Arizona University and teaches U.S. history at Coconino Community College, and serves on the board of the Flagstaff Festival of Science. When not prepping for her history classes, she most often has her nose in a science fiction book.
Rob Estrada
Rob Estrada received his bachelor's degree in broadcasting production from California State University, Northridge. He has a master's degree in public history from Northern Arizona University, with an emphasis in Southwestern borderlands and a minor in Southwestern archaeology. Rob worked six seasons for the National Park Service in the Natural Resources and Interpretations departments, and is currently the staff ethnobotanist with Verde Valley Archaeology Center. He enjoys spending time with his two children, his five grandchildren, and his cat Eva, in Rimrock, Arizona.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Suggested Books and Resources
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You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan
Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
- Peace of Mind
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
- Assurance Plan
Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
- Want to Protect Your Investment?
Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
- Sustainable Travel
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.
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